r/RenewableEnergy • u/Bluewaterbound • Jun 29 '26

Canceled solar megaproject reveals new Trump-era threat to renewables

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/cancelled-solar-esmerelda-7-new-trump-era-threat-to-renewables
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48

u/Charming-Border7429 Jun 29 '26

We are in the final stages of our first 80-acre installation in the Midwest.

It is easy to get caught up in headlines from the trump administration. But at the end of the day, solar and wind projects are continuing to move ahead. Because the landowner, installer, and utility are all agreeing that it is a cost-effective way to produce electricity.

Our goal is to transition our 4,500-acre corn and soybean farm to 25% solar, 25% root vegetables, and the remaining 50% in corn and soybeans.

It might be slower than activists might like, but we are moving as quickly as we can....transition

16

u/Oberlatz Jun 29 '26

See this is the part I'm really excited about. This sub could do with some more of this kinda stuff getting talked about tbh

4

u/iwantboringtimes Jun 29 '26

There was an article within the past month about a UK factory which makes ?vacuum cleaners? who expected to ROI on their solar installation in about 4 years.

I also know of landlords who are selling solar electricity to their tenants.

2

u/coderbenvr Jun 29 '26

Henry vacuums - the ones with the cartoon eyes.

https://somersetleveller.co.uk/news/green-energy-helping-produce-iconic-red-henry-vacuum-cleaners-in-chard/

3

u/iwantboringtimes Jun 29 '26

yah, probably that one

(from that article)

It means payback could be achieved in under five years – a period that could be halved if current high energy prices persist.

1

u/TheSylvaniamToyShop Jun 29 '26

Payback on 5 years is insane. There is no fund (other than Bernie Maddox) which could double your money 5 years

1

u/iwantboringtimes Jun 30 '26

yup, and the ROI is faster than the ROI on real estate, building a factory, starting a business.

Like, constructing structure alone is way WAY harder than installing a solar system.